TR-398 is the first standard that systematically and
quantitatively evaluates home Wi-Fi device performance across six dimensions:
receiver sensitivity, throughput, coverage, multi-user support,
anti-interference, and stability. By defining Key Performance Indicators (KPIs),
such as the Wi-Fi equivalent bandwidth (throughput), rate at different
distances, and throughput for multiple online users, the standard helps telecom
operators and end users select optimal Wi-Fi solutions.

With the rapid development of 4K TV, online gaming, and
smart homes, statistics from Broadband Forum show that more than 1 billion
users now have access to fixed broadband, and Wi-Fi has become one of the basic
broadband services provided by operators. More and more operators provide Wi-Fi
service packages to enhance the home broadband experience of end users.
However, the quality of Wi-Fi networks is far from perfect, and severely
hampers broadband service development. Ovum reports show that Wi-Fi problems
account for 30-60% of operators' broadband complaints; poor experience in home
broadband services restricts development of 4K video and VR services; and
frequent network faults greatly increase operators' O&M costs.

Clearly, home Wi-Fi quality is vital to both delivering a
high-quality broadband experience and to operators’ operational efficiencies,
yet there were no existing unified performance testing standards – until now.

According to Broadband Forum CEO Robin Mersh, Wi-Fi is the
key infrastructure for broadband Internet access in the connected home and for
a high-quality ultra HD video experience.

“Wi-Fi performance of single gateways must meet service requirements
and comply with standards to support industry development,” said Mersh. “The
goal of TR-398 is to define carrier-class home Wi-Fi performance.”

From its inception as
a project within Broadband Forum, TR-398 has received extensive industry
attention. More than 16 operators and equipment vendors have actively
participated in and supported the drafting of the standard. Many operators
around the world are known to be planning to use TR-398 as the Wi-Fi
performance admission specification for home broadband customer-premises
equipment (CPE).